Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Sports Centre, Sean Tucker, has defended the Board’s planning of the facility in the wake of latest criticism of the project by One Bermuda Alliance Devonshire North Central candidate, Anthony Francis.In an article in Monday’s paper, Francis accused Government of poor planning in building the 50-metre pool that will be too expensive to operate during the winter months because of heating costs.In a press release by the Board of Trustees chairman insisted “extreme care and extensive planning” went into the construction of the Centre which will host both competitive and recreational swimming and diving activities.“The suggestion that the Board of Trustees would embark on a project of this magnitude without having carried out the necessary due diligence does not reflect the extreme care, attention to detail and extensive planning arrangements undertaken to make the Aquatics Centre a world class state of the art facility,” said Tucker. “Furthermore, our aim is to ensure the Centre is based on a viable business plan that will thrive year round.”The Aquatic Centre has sparked a political row in the lead-up to Monday’s general election with Francis continuing to challenge Sports Minister Glenn Blakeney, his election opponent, to answer questions on the Centre which is located in their constituency.Francis said this week the only way Bermudians would be able to swim in the pool during the winter months is if the facility was hosting internationa teams or organisations during those months to subsidise the cost of operating the pool.“It is completely unacceptable that Government has spent $20 million of taxpayer money on the Aquatics Centre — $5 million over the original budgeted cost — without carefully considering the pool’s monthly operating costs to make sure it remains open year-round,” said Francis who insists responsibility for the pool lies with Mr Blakeney.“Once again, we ask Blakeney to reveal the total monthly operating costs of the facility, including staff costs, chemicals, and maintenance.“Tucker, whose Board oversaw the construction of the Centre, replied: “Much has been made of the anticipated monthly costs to run the facility. The fact that the Board took this into consideration prior to opening is an example of the level of research that they have carried out.“The Board also recognised that Bermuda’s coldest months are between January and March and that winter months are the most expensive operating months for outdoor swimming pools. The objective of pool management is to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible, and the Board will strive to ensure there is revenue generated during the most opportune months of the year and contain costs whenever revenue generation is most difficult. Events and activities will be planned to maximise participation during warm weather months.”Added Tucker: “A tremendous amount of hard work and research was carried out with a view to determining how best to proceed with the development of the Aquatics Centre at the National Sports Centre. Those familiar with the project will be aware that the Aquatics Centre is being developed in two phases. Phase one, an eight lane 50-metre pool which is nearing completion and phase two which consists of a warm-up pool, teaching pool and therapy/lifestyle/fun pool.”